Graduate Certificate in Special Education at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Graduate Certificate in Special Education at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Graduate Certificate in Special Education at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers the Graduate Certificate of Special Education as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Paradise , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 1 year, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for special education and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 28, 2027.

    About Graduate Certificate in Special Education

    The Graduate Certificate in Special Education targets both part-time and full-time graduate students who wish to develop specialized knowledge in one of five special education strands: autism, learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, gifted, intellectual disabilities. Each strand is relevant for those who work with individuals with disabilities or gifts and talents in a school setting, community setting, day care, or home-based setting. Each of the five strands is comprised of 15-credits that provide a strong knowledge base and pragmatic-practice base. Hours earned for each of the five strands may be applied to a degree program in special education at the master's or doctoral degree levels. Hours earned in the master's or doctorate programs in special education may not be used toward the certificate. Each certificate strand requires 15 credit hours.

    Available Options

    • Autism Track
    • Emotional Behavioral Disorders Track
    • Gifted Track
    • Intellectual Disabilities Track
    • Learning Disabilities Track
    • Scholars will (SW) understand the characteristics of students with specific disabilities and will use this understanding to develop rigorous, differentiated learning experiences (e.g., lesson plans, unit plans, assessment activities) aligned to the specific learning needs of students.
    • SW understand the experiences and background of culturally and linguistically diverse students, as well as how their own cultural background mitigates the way they interact with students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and will plan lesson activities and environments that are culturally responsive to students and their families.
    • SW describe various methods of assessing student learning and social-emotional well being and will implement these assessment techniques, as well as engage in data-based decision making to make targeted instructional decisions to support student learning.
    • SW understand the principles of behavior management (e.g., functional behavior assessment, positive behavior supports, development of classroom rules and procedures) and will implement positive behavior change strategies to support the behavior of students with disabilities in the school environment.
    • SW understand the structure and framework of the general education curricula and environment and will make targeted, data-based instructional decisions to differentiate learning for students with disabilities, ensuring access to the general education curricula.
    • SW define the criteria for identifying an evidence-based practices in special education and will design and implement lessons and interventions using evidence-based practices to support the academic achievement and social emotional well being of students with disabilities in the general education environment.
    • SW understand the principles of effective collaboration with key stakeholders in the education of students with disabilities (e.g., parents, families, general education teachers, special education paraprofessionals, administrators) and will implement effective practices for engaging in collaboration.

    Disciplines

    College of Education

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Certificate in Special Education at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Entry Requirements

    While each graduate program has unique admissions standards, the Graduate College maintains minimum standards for graduate admission. All advanced degree and certificate program applicants must meet these eligibility requirements to be considered for admission. Immigration status does not impact admission to UNLV.

    1. Bachelor’s Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or an approved international equivalent.
    2. Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for your bachelor’s degree, or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester hours).
    3. Additional Requirements – Factors that may also be considered by the academic department to which you are applying include test scores (like the GRE or GMAT), the type of course work completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, writing samples or portfolios, and any other supporting documents your department/program may ask you to submit to complete your application.
    4. International Applicants: Proof of English Proficiency – The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students, with the exception of submitting proof of English Proficiency.
    5. Transcripts – All applicants are required to submit a transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. If the institution is outside the U.S., a foreign credential evaluation may be required. Please review our foreign credential evaluations page for additional guidelines, information, and requirements.
      Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.

    Credentials from China: Students who have completed a degree in China must provide copies of the original language transcripts and a copy of their Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. Documents verified by the Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD) or the China Academic Degree and Graduate information Center (CDGDC) are also accepted. 

    Credentials from India: Consolidated marks sheets are acceptable if yearly mark sheets are not available. Mark sheets must also be issued by the degree-granting institution. Mark sheets from affiliated colleges, are not acceptable or considered official. Students who have completed a degree in India must also provide a copy of their Provisional Certificate.

    Please note that the aforementioned requirements are the minimum requirements established and monitored by the Graduate College. Meeting the minimum admissions requirements is a necessary but not sufficient condition of admission. Admission decisions are based on applicants meeting the minimum Graduate College requirements and a more extensive and holistic departmental review, which considers a combination of factors, including indicators of success based upon academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, relevant work experience, and the like.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 65
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 80

    Career Opportunities after Completing Graduate Certificate in Special Education

    Tuition and Fee Information for Graduate Certificate in Special Education at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Application Fee 95

    How to Apply for Graduate Certificate in Special Education at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    1. Review Admission Requirements – Review requirements for advanced degree and certificate program applicants. Be sure to check your department of interest as well because departmental requirements vary. Please note that only degree-seeking students are eligible for I-20/student visas and graduate assistantships. Certificate programs are not considered degree-seeking. However, with proper approval students may be enrolled concurrently in both degree and certificate programs.
    2. Application Procedures – To apply to the Graduate College, submit the following admission materials for consideration:
      • A completed application. Complete the application online.
      • A nonrefundable admission application fee of $95, payable online by credit card or by check/money order, to the Board of Regents, UNLV.

        *Note: Applications and materials will not be processed until the application fee is received. Applicants to any UNLV graduate program must pay the admission application evaluation fee for each application filed. Denied applicants, who later seek admission to the same or other UNLV degree program, are required to pay an additional application fee.
    3. Additional Graduate College Application Materials – If needed, send any additional Graduate College admission materials (for example: your admission receipt with your check payment; your transcripts if you did not upload them into your online application; or your official transcripts upon admission; etc.) to:

      Office of Admissions

      University of Nevada, Las Vegas
      Mail Stop: 1021
      4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
      Las Vegas, NV 89154

    4. Additional Materials for your Department & Degree Program Application – Submit any additional department-required admission materials by uploading them into your online application. Please check with your graduate program of interest and refer to the application checklist on the Home tab of your Grad Rebel Gateway account in order to determine their specific admission requirements prior to submitting your online application.
    5. Financial Certification Requirement – Submit Financial Certification form and Bank Letter to the Graduate College.
      Before an I-20 can be issued, all international students must submit a completed Financial Certification form and bank letter. Even if you anticipate receiving a Graduate Assistantship, you must submit the Financial Certification form and bank letter.
      • Confidential Financial Certification
    Graduate Certificate in Special Education at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    United States of America

    United States of America, Paradise

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